our "sunday spotlight" shines today on america special operations forces, their profile has soared since their takedown of osama bin laden. And so has their standing in congress. Our team of experts is here to discuss their challenges these heroes face every day, and how they fit into america's military future. But, first, bob woodruff sits down play by mark wahlberg in the gripping new film "lone survivor." Reporter: The four s.E.A.L.S were on a mission, mark wahlberg plays the role of petty officer marcus luttrell in "lone survivor." He was right in your sight. Why didn't you shoot him, because you weren't getting a order? Right. Yes, sir. The area that we were in were so dense. We had to move up or down. Reporter: The s.E.A.L.S moved up the mountain. Where three goat herders literally stumbled upon them. A quick and crucial decision had to be made. SHOULD THE S.E.A.L.s LET THE Herders go, or should the S.E.A.L.s KILL THREE UNARMED Afgha afghaniing tsh? We do what we have to do. What other rules of engagement? Who knows? It just depends on where you are. There isn't an official protocol. I was shocked even yesterday, finding out that, while we have these rules of gagement, nobody else does. Reporter: With the vote, the S.E.A.L.s LET THE HERDERS GO. They ran straight to the taliban. WITHIN AN HOUR, THE S.E.A.L.s Were surrounded. Luttrell was badly wounded. His three s.E.A.L. Brothers were killed. The special operations chopper that flew into rescue them was shot down. 19 u.S. Service members were lost that day. For the film's director, peter berg, this is not about politics it's about honor. I thought that marcus did an extraordinary opportunity to pay and acknowledge a sacrifice these men are making. It was the most satisfying film that I have ever been involved in. The first time that it wasn't about me or my experience. It wasn't me hitting my growth as an actor. Reporter: The story would not have been told without muhammad, the local villager who saved and cared for luttrell. Refusing to hand him over to taliban, despite death threats. I owe him my life. People talk about honorable men. That's honor what he did, in him risking his life and his village and his children, to rescue a complete stranger. How do you do that? I was never privileged to see, until I went to afghanistan, that there are a lot of amazing people. They are also at war with the taliban. Reporter: Luttrell now has a 2-year-old son, ax, he doesn't know yet, but he'll tell him about his experience. We'll have a discussion about it. With his mother and myself. He's going to see it eventually. Kids do that. I have the same issue with "boogie nights." Rules of engagement says we can't touch them. This experience had a huge impact on me and I completely don't like war. But I love soldiers and I love what marcus did and I'm inspired by him to be a better man. Really glad did what he did. Reporter: For "this week," bob woodruff, abc news, new york.

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